By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment towards improving various sectors that bolster the country’s economic development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority–Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) in Iloilo City this Wednesday.
The newly rehabilitated and improved Complex was completed in March 2025, and is equipped with 1,152 370-watt photovoltaic solar panel modules mounted on key structures, including the new market hall, refrigeration building, cold storage facility, commercial building, public toilet and administration building.
“Ito po ay napakahalaga dahil ang gagamit nito ay marami-rami rin, mga 1,500 na mangingisda ang gagamit dito sa ating rehabilitated na fish port na ito. Napakalaking bagay dahil sa pagbabago nitong facility na ito, marami tayong maaaring gawin na hindi natin kayang gawin noon,” President Marcos said in his speech, adding the project’s decreased carbon footprint due to solar panels that help in reducing reliance on energy from fossil-fuel power plants.
The Chief Executive noted that the PFDA-IFPC would help in lowering production costs, transportation expenses, expedite movement of goods, and provide added value to fisherfolk and farmers.
He also cited Thailand and Vietnam, among other neighboring countries, as the catalyst behind the initiative of improving fish ports and putting up 10 new ones, lauding the efficiency of the fishery facilities in these nations.
“More people should make their living from the sea, and that is what we are trying to encourage. And to do that, pinaparami nga natin ang mga facilities na kagaya nito, pati yong transportation, pati yong cold chain,” President Marcos said, encouraging the younger generation to partake in bringing food to tables of Filipinos across the archipelago.
PBBM lauds hard work, dedication of farmers, fisherfolk
At the same event, the Chief Executive expressed his heartfelt gratitude to farmers and fisherfolk for their sacrifices and unwavering dedication towards ensuring a sufficient food supply for the citizenry.
He cites their tireless efforts as essential in keeping the country’s progress in motion, sustaining the growth of their locales and the country’s economy as a whole.
“Kami nagpapasalamat sa inyo at importante itong ginagawa ninyo. Kayo ang nagpapakain sa lahat ng Pilipino, kundi sa inyo, hindi po mabubuhay ang Pilipino. Aasa pa tayo kung kani-kanino,” President Marcos said.
“Alam kong malaki ang sakripisyo ninyo para gawin ang inyong trabaho, at kami naman na nasa pamahalaan, nandito lamang para magsuporta sa inyo. At kung anuman ang pangangailangan ninyo, wag po kayong magdadalawang-isip. Trabaho po namin yan, hindi problema para sa amin yan. Kung anuman ang kailangan niyo, kulitin niyo kami. Kahit na nakasimangot na, sige lang kulitin niyo pa rin kami,” the President added.
Meanwhile, alongside the inauguration, President Marcos also led the distribution of agricultural implements worth over P37 million—such as tractors, rice combine harvesters, corn mills, forage choppers, village-type rice mills, corn shellers, and fiberglass boats with engines.
He also led the inspection of a flood control project in Jaro, where he assessed the progress of its construction that falls under the jurisdiction of the DPWH Iloilo City District Engineering Office.
Also present at the event were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Iloilo Lone District Representative Juliene Baronda, and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas.
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